Life as a higher apprentice

31 March 2016

Christie Ross, higher marketing apprentice, tells us how it’s set her up for the future and why more young people should consider an apprenticeship…

I wrote my first blog over a year ago. Since then, I’ve moved onto a higher apprenticeship to do a Project Management Diploma in City Hall’s Marketing team. This year, I’ll be marketing lead for events like Notting Hill Carnival, Totally Thames, London Tree Week and Diwali. I’ll also be involved with lots of other exciting work we do for London.

My higher apprenticeship will give me a qualification that’s equivalent to the first year of a Project Management degree. Once it’s completed, I’ll also have over two years’ experience of full-time work. The support and training I’m getting now will really benefit me in the future

I love my job. I feel like I’m experiencing and achieving something new every day. I’ve recently moved into my own flat in London. A few years ago, I couldn‘t have dreamed I’d be where I am today. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been meeting the Mayoral candidates and their agents to collect their booklet entries for the elections. It’s one of the most exciting things I’ve done here at City Hall.

I feel like apprentices are still seen as ‘tea makers’ or photocopiers by some people. When really the opportunities out there for young people are endless and invaluable. Not only do you make money. You also get a qualification which employers look for and value.

I must say the real working world is much tougher than you expect. It really tests your ability to communicate and cope in real life situations. The pressure can definitely get to you, but the end results of what you can achieve at work outweigh the negatives.

Being an apprentice is hard work. You have to juggle full time work as well as complete a qualification. But at the end of the apprenticeship you have the skills, knowledge and extra edge to go straight into a well-paid job.

I’ve met amazing people and made lifelong friends here. This is an experience which I will never forget and I hope more young people take the apprenticeship route in the future.